Lawn going dormant as it rides out summer temperatures with lack of water/via Pennlive.com
With temperatures soaring and the wildfire danger rating expected to climb, the City of Kamloops has officially implemented Level 4 drought restrictions this Monday, July 20, 2026.
According to the City, the new rules now in effect are a direct response to the provincial drought levels for the South Thompson River.
Kamloops Utility Services Manager Wayne Lockhart says the primary goal is to reduce non-essential outdoor water use.
“It’s about ensuring we have enough water remaining down the road for essential needs, such as fire protection,” explained Lockhart.
“But also, it’s about supporting the health of the local waterways and the fish habitat in the river.”
City guide to Level 4 Drought Response program/via City of Kamloops
[Click to open link to guide]
Sprinkler use for trees, shrubs, and food-producing plants is also limited to once a week.
However, you can still hand-water your trees, shrubs, flowers and crops at any time, provided they use a spring-loaded nozzle on the hose, or a watering can.
Lockhart says the City’s Civic Operations team is working closely with Kamloops Fire Rescue to manage reservoir levels.
He says that includes adjusting reservoir set points to meet the anticipated demand brought on by the high heat coming at us this week.
Temperatures likely to activate first Extreme Heat Protocol for 2026
The tightening of water use comes as Kamloops and the region are in for a sizeable blast of summer heat in the coming couple of days.
Environment Canada is forecasting temperatures will reach the mid-to-high 30s this week, with highs of 35 anticipated tomorrow and 36 on Wednesday.
Those temperatures should be enough to activate the City’s Extreme Heat Protocols, which kick in when daytime highs reach 35 or higher for two consecutive days, while nighttime lows remain at or above 18 degrees.
Children playing at official opening of spray park at Riverside Park in downtown Kamloops, May 23, 2023/via City of Kamloops
Under the City’s response plan, those seeking relief from the heat will have access to a network of diverse cooling spaces, including free seniors drop-in programs at Heritage House, and free public swimming at the Downtown Y.
Access to the Canada Games Aquatic Centre and Westsyde Pool will also be free for those who obtain a Heat Response Pass through local social agencies.
Additionally, the city will operate misting stations and water parks, while coordinating efforts to distribute bottled water to those on the streets.
With the intense heat, the fire danger rating in Kamloops — currently sitting at “High” — is expected to jump to “Extreme.”
The dry conditions are already heightening concerns about the potential for interface fires, though a sweeping crackdown is not expected — at least not in the immediate future.
When it comes to enforcing the new water restrictions, Lockhart says the City will be maintaining an education-first approach.
“At first, it’s making sure people understand the restrictions and why we’re doing it,” he said. “But if we’re seeing people not complying, there are measures that the Community Service Officers can take to help ensure compliance.”
The City says its also doing its part.
“All divisions within the City are also taking steps to reduce water use wherever possible, while still providing the services our community relies upon,” noted the City in its initial announcement about the new water restrictions. “Irrigation at parks and other municipal landscapes will be reduced in accordance with the Drought Response Plan.”
Tournament Capital Ranch in Rayleigh, one of the outdoor venues to be given water to maintain the grass during the Level 4 drought restrictions/via City of Kamloops
While there may be some who question the sincerity of the City to follow its own rules, the municipality contends that the rules it follows for keeping local fields watered is not only for esthetics, but for safety and future cost-savings.
“Some treed areas, sports fields, and recreational spaces will continue to receive targeted watering to maintain safe playing surfaces and support community recreation,” stated the City. “These spaces host leagues, tournaments, community events, and provide important places for residents to gather, stay active, and connect with one another.”
At the same time, the City also suggests that home owners focus less on the lawn, and more on other areas of your yard which will likely need more attention.
“Residents are reminded that a brown lawn is a normal response to hot, dry weather and does not increase wildfire risk. Dormant grass will recover when cooler, wetter conditions return,” stated the City. “Residents are encouraged to focus watering efforts on trees and shrubs using permitted methods such as drip irrigation.
“Healthy trees and well-maintained shrubbery contribute to the urban canopy and can play an important role in creating more resilient landscapes,” the City added.
